A consumer advocacy group urged rule of law should prevail on matters affecting business to protect consumers and ensure the growth of the economy.
Louie Montemar, convenor of Bantay Konsyumer, Kalsada, Kuryente (BK3) in a statement expressed concern over the findings of a study of PwC which said 43 percent of respondents encountered fraud at least twice, while a tenth saying they experienced such incidents over the past six to 12 times.
“Despite the government’s pronounced campaign to fight corruption, what is happening is the opposite and we fear that this will eventually shortchange the Filipino consumers,” Montemar said.
Montemar quoted the PwC study as saying: “This is concerning as businesses operating in the Philippines may be more likely to contemplate paying bribes as a feasible option to take in order to win business opportunities against competitors.”
Montemar said such findings are consistent with the 2019 report of Transparency International which ranked the Philippines as 113th least corrupt among 180 countries and territories. The Philippines dropped 14 places from 99th in 2018, making the 2019 spot as country’s lowest ranking since 2012.
Montemar said many businesses are worried over the perception of rising corruption.
Montemar also asked the government to support businesses that play crucial role in the economy and provide thousands of jobs to Filipinos, referring to the cases of Manila Water Co., Maynilad Water Services Inc. and ABS-CBN Corp. whose contracts and franchise are under review.
